Tevin Tobun, CEO of ROUTD Technology and GV Group, one of the industry’s leading logistics and technology companies, has received an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University.

The doctorate, which was awarded on Thursday, is a recognition of Tobun’s continued focus on business and technological innovation within the foodservice sector.

The entrepreneur who founded GV Group 23 years ago, the same year he graduated from Middlesex University, has since built formidable businesses within the catering and food logistics sector with Platebox, Foodmove and Repco Global – all under GV Group.

Meanwhile, the Tobun Foundation, his charity founded in 2015, has given more than 1,000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds a better chance of higher education through financial support and mentorship.

Tobun said: “It was a great honour to receive this award today; 23 years after I completed my bachelor’s degree at the same university.

At the time I was studying Health Sciences and Combined Studies. I had no real experience or experience with the catering, food service and logistics sector. But being young, hungry and entrepreneurial I saw an opportunity and twenty years later I owe this sector a huge debt.

“I can only hope that my companies have played a part in helping the industry grow, evolve and flourish in some way and I look forward to continued innovation and growth in this sector.”

GV Group was originally set up with the aim of making food distribution in London safer and more efficient by using smaller vans instead of trucks. The company now covers the UK, Africa and South America, delivering 24 million meals each year.

Subsidiary Repco Global supports energy and infrastructure companies in remote areas.

Meanwhile, ROUTD Technology, Tobun’s AI-based logistics technology solution, is transforming carbon reduction, ESG and data accuracy in the sector, with an added emphasis on driver wellbeing.

Tevin Tobun, who grew up in South East London, is also a councillor at The Open University, a board member of Inspirational You, the social enterprise supporting young people, a long-standing patron of Springboard and a board member of the professional association Arena Network.

For the past six years, Tevin has been listed in Powerful Media’s Top 100 Most Influential Black Britons. Last year, he was named to the Dr Martin Luther King Board of Sponsors, which recognises those who have made significant contributions to business and social impact.

TC Melewar, professor of marketing and strategy at Middlesex University, said: “We recall Dr King’s comment that ‘the most persistent and urgent question in life is: what are we doing for others?’ And in this area Tevin has an extensive track record.

“Whether it’s business, philanthropy or education, he’s never been afraid to break new ground, build new businesses and take a chance with people others might have overlooked.”